Page 43 - 2021 - Q2 - Minerva in Focus

Τhe experience I have gained

in Rotterdam is unique

I have been living in the Netherlands Throughout my stay in this country, I have had the opportunity to visit many Minerva
since September 2018. The Netherlands, vessels and better understand the seafarer’s life and work environment.
like Greece, is a country with a long his- ARA is a very demanding port area mainly because bunkering operations and the pro-
tory and tradition in shipping, which is vision of supplies are carried out simultaneously with vessel loading or discharging
apparent in many aspects of their every- operations. In addition, many Vetting, Flag State, Classification Society, PSC, and Green
day life. Dutch industry and research are Award inspections are conducted in the ARA area as all ROs have offices in the Dutch
oriented towards providing commercial ports and Antwerp due to the criticality of their strategic position.
vessel solutions, and the local market In the last two years, I have attended all kinds of audits onboard Minerva vessels, wit-
produces a variety of products and ser- nessed their difficulties, and learned about the requirements set by ARA inspectors. I
vices for ships. Even Dutch celebrations have had the opportunity to talk with Masters and the C/Os about the environmental
and festivals are inspired by the country’s regulations as they are implemented on each vessel, the upcoming requirements, and
maritime culture. how they are integrated into the company’s procedures and practices. In addition, I
have operated environmentally critical equipment together with C/Es and discussed
technical or operational problems or issues that needed to be resolved that were relat-
ed to various local restrictions.
I have seen the professionalism of the seafarers, their sense of responsibility for the
critical role the company has entrusted them with, and their determination to accom-
plish their duties in the most efficient way, overcoming obstacles in their work, weather
conditions, and operational and technical challenges. I have seen the efforts of the cap-
tains to bring the crew members together so as to feel better during their time onboard
and be able to conduct their work more effectively. On board the vessel, you realize
that resilience is not a formal obligation to be fulfilled due to oil majors’ suggested
practices. It is mostly a way of living onboard the vessel that should be combined with
highly cooperative behavior and a sense of unity among crew members.
However, the most important parameter of my onboard visits in Rotterdam is the fact that
I have seen the people behind the vessel. I have seen their joy for their child’s success
by Maria Sotiriou at university or their worry for a sick family member, along with the desire to fulfill their
Head of Environmental Compliance professional duties with integrity and competence.
of Minerva Marine Inc. I consider that the experience I have gained in Rotterdam is unique and has determined
my professional development in the maritime field.

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